Before embarking on their journey to Dubai, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur confidently declared, “This is our best team ever at a T20 World Cup.” Her statement reflects a sense of optimism as India enters the tournament with newfound stability and strength. Retaining ten members from the 2023 World Cup squad, India has combined experience with fresh talent from the Women’s Premier League (WPL) to enhance their batting depth and enrich their bowling attack. Additionally, the team welcomes back three players making their comeback through the league, demonstrating the influence of domestic cricket in rejuvenating the national side.
Despite the challenges faced during this World Cup cycle, Australia and England have consistently been the formidable opponents. However, India has achieved comprehensive victories against both teams in their recent encounters, showcasing their potential to challenge the best. Nevertheless, India experienced setbacks earlier this year, notably their struggle in chasing a target of 190 against South Africa in Chennai and an unexpected defeat in the Asia Cup final against a resurgent Sri Lankan side led by Chamari Athapaththu. Learning from past knockout disappointments, the team has collaborated with a professional sports psychologist to better manage pressure situations, an initiative supported by multiple skills camps since Amol Muzumdar assumed the leadership role.
The relocation of the World Cup from Bangladesh to the UAE poses new challenges and opportunities. India’s spin-heavy attack is designed to thrive on the conditions offered by UAE pitches, supported by a robust top-six batting line-up. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have shown consistent form, while Jemimah Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur have scored half-centuries in recent warm-up and intra-squad matches. The identification of a stable no.3 position, following months of experimentation, along with a diverse pool of all-rounders backing finishers Richa Ghosh and Pooja Vastrakar, positions India to mount a strong campaign for the elusive T20 silverware.
The team’s recent form guide reads: Loss, Win, Win, Win, Win, indicating a positive trajectory as they head into the tournament with momentum and confidence.
. The squad comprises a mix of experienced and emerging talents: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, and Sajana Sajeevan. Additionally, travelling reserves include Uma Chetry (wicketkeeper), Tanuja Kanwar, and Saima Thakor, with Raghvi Bist and Priya Mishra named as non-travelling backups.
A standout player to watch is Shreyanka Patil, who distinguished herself as a quick and dynamic off-spinning all-rounder. Her speed and innovative playing style became a signature during the Women’s Premier League, overcoming a finger fracture to lead RCB to a famous victory with figures like 4/12 in the final match. Awarded the Purple Cap for her 13 wickets in eight games, and the Emerging Player title for the season, Patil’s India cap comes as no surprise. Her impressive performance in the Women’s CPL 2023, where she emerged as the leading wicket-taker, further establishes her reputation. Patil’s capability to bowl across all phases, along with her lower-order batting skills and fielding prowess, render her a player to keep an eye on throughout the tournament.
Entering the T20 World Cup as one of the favorites, India’s historic clashes with Australia add a layer of psychological complexity. Known for ending India’s World Cup dreams in previous editions and their hunt for the inaugural CWG Gold, Australia continues to be a formidable rival. The upcoming face-off in the ‘group of death’ is highly anticipated as the teams meet in a crucial group stage match in Sharjah. Having played twice there already, Australia may have an advantage with the conditions. However, India’s determination to alter history will undoubtedly fuel a compelling contest.
The tournament schedule places India on a challenging path, starting with New Zealand on October 4 in Dubai, followed by matches against Pakistan on October 6, Sri Lanka on October 11, and the much-awaited clash with Australia on October 13. Each match offers a vital opportunity for India to assert their supremacy and inch closer to the coveted T20 World Cup title, a prize that has remained elusive but is now within reach.